Air Canada will shift Aeroplan to a revenue-based model on January 1, 2026, joining airlines such as American, Delta, United, JetBlue, and British Airways. Announced August 6, 2025, the change will reward dollars spent over distance flown, reshaping how travelers earn points and elite status.
This move affects anyone flying on Air Canada or using Aeroplan partners in 2026 and beyond. High spenders and premium-fare buyers will earn more. Budget travelers and mileage runners will likely see fewer points and slower progress toward status.
What’s changing and when
- The current distance- and fare-based system remains through December 31, 2025.
- For flights on or after January 1, 2026, Aeroplan points will be tied to revenue: base fare plus carrier surcharges. Taxes and third-party fees don’t count.
- Elite status will shift to Status Qualifying Credits (SQC), which track spend and partner activity rather than miles or segments.
How points will earn in 2026
- All members earn 1 Aeroplan point per $1 spent on eligible Air Canada flights.
- Elite members receive an Elite Points Multiplier of 2x–6x points per $1, depending on status at time of travel.
- Air Canada Vacations packages earn fixed points by region and cabin after the final flight in an itinerary.
How elite status will work under SQC
- SQC replace the old mix of SQM (miles), SQS (segments), and SQD (dollars).
- Members can earn up to 4 SQC per $1 spent on eligible Air Canada fares (varies by fare type).
- You can also earn up to 25,000 SQC via Aeroplan credit card spend and up to 25,000 SQC from travel and everyday partners (hotels, car rentals, rideshare, coffee, telecom, retail, and gas stations).
- Milestone Benefits unlock every 10,000 SQC up to 200,000, then every 20,000 SQC afterward.
- Premium Aeroplan cardholders receive a “10% Head Start” in 2027, equal to 10% of their prior year’s total SQC, replacing rollover SQM and removing the cap.
Who gains—and who doesn’t
- Winners:
- Travelers who buy flexible or premium fares
- Frequent business flyers
- Members who use Aeroplan partners and co-branded credit cards for everyday spend
- Losers:
- Budget flyers who relied on long-haul economy trips to rack up miles and segments
- Mileage runners who planned distance-heavy trips to chase status
Why Air Canada is doing this
Air Canada’s shift mirrors a wider airline industry trend. Programs at American (AAdvantage), Delta (SkyMiles), United (MileagePlus), JetBlue (TrueBlue), and British Airways (Executive Club) already reward spend and ongoing engagement. The strategy is to reward customers who generate more revenue and who use the airline’s ecosystem more often.
“Our most engaged members do more than just fly with us—they earn with our partners, choose flexible fares, and carry Aeroplan credit cards. These changes help us better recognize their loyalty and keep improving the experience.”
— Scott O’Leary, Vice President, Loyalty & Product
Craig Landry, Executive Vice President & Chief Innovation Officer and President of Aeroplan, adds that unlimited SQC accumulation will be tied to Air Canada flights and Air Canada Vacations packages.
How 2025 and 2026 trips will be treated
- Flights flown in 2025: earn under the current distance/fare model.
- Flights flown in 2026: earn under the new revenue-based model, even if tickets were purchased in 2025.
- Voluntary changes to tickets in 2026 will recalculate earnings based on the new fare. Involuntary changes will honor the original points.
- Redemption bookings made with Aeroplan points (or points plus cash) won’t earn points.
- AC-Wallet payments can earn points if the fare is otherwise eligible.
What industry watchers say
- Independent analysts note a simpler system for big spenders but a weaker deal for mileage runners.
- The Points Guy: the plan “simplifies the process” for heavy spenders but is “less rewarding” for those who gamed distance.
- Prince of Travel: program will “benefit you more as you spend more and engage with the airline and its partners,” while budget flyers may earn less.
- VisaVerge.com: the pivot aligns Aeroplan with global loyalty programs that link rewards directly to how much members spend and how often they interact with partners.
Practical tips for different travelers
- Frequent business travelers:
- Book flexible or premium fares when your employer allows.
- Link your Aeroplan account to partners (hotels, car rentals, rideshare, daily brands) to boost SQC efficiently.
- Families:
- Consider timing big trips in 2026 to stack partner activity and promotions.
- Check if a premium Aeroplan credit card makes sense for the 10% Head Start and extra SQC from spending.
- Students and budget flyers:
- Focus on high-value redemptions (partner award sweet spots) rather than chasing status.
- Watch for limited-time earning promos in 2026 to improve return on lower fares.
- Newcomers to Canada:
- Create an Aeroplan account, connect partner accounts, and use one card to centralize earning.
- Small, steady activity can still add up.
What this means for the broader market
Air Canada’s decision reinforces a trend that prioritizes revenue and engagement across the airline sector. As more carriers adopt similar frameworks, travelers will see fewer distance-based earning strategies and more incentives tied to spending behavior. Expect ongoing tweaks as airlines test bonus offers, partner expansions, and card-linked milestones.
Important reminders
- You’ll earn at least 1 point per $1 on eligible base fare and carrier surcharges.
- Elite members can earn 2x–6x points per $1.
- Earn up to 4 SQC per $1 on eligible Air Canada fares, plus up to 50,000 SQC combined through credit card and partner activity.
- Milestones hit every 10,000 SQC up to 200,000, then every 20,000 SQC.
- The 10% Head Start applies to premium cardholders based on prior-year SQC.
Where to find official details
Air Canada will publish updated Aeroplan rules and FAQs as the effective date nears. For government travel and consumer rights information that can help travelers make informed choices around air travel changes, see the Canadian Transportation Agency’s guidance on air passenger protection on its official site. It provides clear information on flight changes and refunds that can matter when schedules shift.
Key terms in plain language
- Revenue-based model: You earn based on money spent, not distance flown.
- Status Qualifying Credits (SQC): Credits that track your progress to elite status, earned from tickets, cards, and partners.
- Elite Points Multiplier: A status-based boost that raises how many points you earn per dollar.
Next steps for members
- Review upcoming 2026 trips and consider fare products that increase SQC.
- Audit your everyday spend: link hotel, car, rideshare, and retail partners to your Aeroplan account.
- Evaluate Aeroplan credit cards for the 10% Head Start and SQC earning.
- Track promotions in early 2026 that can lift your points and SQC totals.
Bottom line: Air Canada’s Aeroplan is moving to a spend-first system that clearly favors higher spend and deeper engagement. Members who plan their travel and daily purchases with Aeroplan in mind will come out ahead under the new rules.
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